Diamond and CBN basics

Diamond and CBN wheels come in several bond types: Resin (most common), vitrified, metal and electroplated.   Resin is used in most tool room and production applications.   Vitrified and metal bonds are newer bond types with specific applications. Electroplated wheels are very common and are typically found in cutoff wheels and low demanding abrasive grinding such as for plastics. Like traditional grinding wheels, Diamond and CBN wheels are used in a variety of processes and with a variety of materials.   Typically, diamond wheels are used strictly on carbides and CBN is used on steels.

Although vitrified CBN grinding wheels are more expensive and custom made special order items, it's been quite widely used in industries such as bearings, automotive, compressors, aerospace, etc. because of it’s of high speed, high efficiency, high precision and long tool life.